311/366: Ghost Boys

 After all the candy was collected, sorted and partially eaten, my boys had a dance off.  Or what they called, "Rockstar Show".  It was exciting.  Unfortunately, it was performed to a full house and only a one night engagement.

They were so crazy dancing and jerking around in a less than graceful manner.  They made me smile.  I slowed my shutter speed down to let in the light - since it was dark except for the disco ball - and got these ghostly images.

Perfect for the eve of All Saints Day!

305/366: Pumpkin Smell

I had the honor of cleaning out three pumpkins this evening.

My boys won't touch the stuff.  Yes, BOYS think it's gross.

 The pumpkins we had were very thick skinned.  I felt like I had to really dig in there to get the knife to move.

They drew the faces on paper and we mimicked that on the pumpkin.  I tried to have them cut with a safety knife, but it was just too hard.  I struggled with it.

I just learned that my nephew in NJ won't get to trick or treat tomorrow night.  What a bummer.  No electricity and now no candy!  I'm sure my brother and sister in law will make it up to him, as will the town.

Tomorrow the boys have their Halloween parties at school and I need to do one more costume adjustment for Little Man.  Having them home during the week truly throws off my game.

Prayers for those in the dark, those not under their own roof, and those struggling with the loss of loved ones.

296/366: Costuming

Tis the season for me to over-commit and under estimate my time.

I have a sea monster and Sonic the Hedgehog costumes to complete. I'm getting close. I have some alterations on the sea monster, but was able to finish the fins on the hood for that one.

Big Boy was sure he didn't want a hood. For days he was not interested. Tonight, as I type this, he has decided that in fact, he does want a hood.

Normally, you would think I am we'll prepared. However, Wednesday night is the Halloween party.

T-minus 40 hours till showtime!

290/366: I'm Your Mummy

This is such a cool craft for Halloween. I found it on...you guessed it, Pinterest.

Each year, the Cub Scouts have a Halloween party where each Den provides an activity. I often felt a craft was needed in this mix. So, I volunteered. Last year I did the gross touch and feel. That was already more work than this.

I sampled five different types and gauges of wire. Since the Pinterest link calls for rubber coated wire for landscaping which runs upwards of $7.00 per coil (yielding two or three mummies), I needed to find something much more economical for the close to 80 cub scouts plus their siblings.

Aluminum wire in 14 gauge proved to be the winner. After I formed my mummy shape, I wrapped the wire in three thin strips of muslin. Surprisingly, the fabric stayed on the mummy quite well. A Dan of glue for the end of the final strip wouldn't hurt.

Tomorrow, the boys are going to try to make one as a test.

Super easy and fun.

254/366: Pintember Ghost

If you were to visit our home on this, the 10th day of September, you would see that we are in full Halloween spirit.

The kids, are, that is.  I'm not quite ready.  We won't put up our outdoor decorations until I see at least one other neighbor do the same.  Besides, our window covering spooks me.

I wanted to work on a wreath today, but alas, I got a better offer (yarn shopping).  Do you blame me?

I tested this craft last night for use during the Halloween season:

Source: marthastewart.com via Carrie on Pinterest

I picked up a bag of 12 inch pearl white balloons and a pack of green glow stick bracelets.

For a two minute craft, it was great.  The kids liked it and I will do this for Halloween, but I will use the 4 inch glow sticks.  They are shorter and thicker and I think they will glow better in the balloon.

This is a cute and REALLY EASY craft for those craft-challenged folks.